Form meets function at the latest exhibit at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Schaefer International Gallery, "Roots of Inspiration: Contemporary Functional Furniture," on display beginning Tuesday to Dec. 23.
The idea for the upcoming exhibit came from the well-known Maui furniture-maker, Peter Naramore. His source of inspiration was an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, titled "New American Furniture: The Second Generation of Studio Furniture makers." That concept in 1989, was to invite a group of renowned furniture makers to use antique furniture as a point of inspiration to create unique new "studio furniture."
The 2009 adaptation brings together 18 of the finest woodworkers from around the state, exhibiting newly created furniture inspired by artifacts, antiquities or architecture of Hawaiian origin. Many of the artists specialize in inlay, carving, turning and veneer work. They make their living primarily from building furniture and are consistently involved in the reinterpretation of familiar, useful furniture forms.
Article Photos
These rocking chairs by furniture-maker Peter Naramor will be displayed as part of the new “Roots of Inspiration: Contemporary Functional Furniture” exhibit at the Schaefer International Gallery. The larger chair on the right was inspired by the Hawaiian Ku.
This distinguished group of furniture makers from Hawaii offer an unparalleled collection of contemporary studio furniture, all of which will be available for purchase.
The public is invited to the artists opening reception beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday at the gallery. Then on Furniture Friday, the public will have the opportunity to meet the exhibiting furniture makers, who will spend the day in the gallery giving demonstrations and talking about their work. Learn about the tools, techniques and the history of furniture making from 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and 18. Both events are free.
Participating woodworkers from Maui: Tom Calhoun, Shaun Fleming, Steve Hynson Robert Lippoth, Peter Naramore, Curtis Paddock, Ricardo Vasquez and John Wittenburg
Oahu: Joel Bright, Robert Butts, Douglas Philpotts and Alan Wilkinson
Hawaii Island: Marcus Castaing, Mats Fogelvik, Tai Lake, Dave Reisland, Jay Warner and Mike Riley
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Art program gives new meaning to traveling exhibit
Riding the bus just got a little more colorful, thanks to the Maui County Commission on Culture and the Arts' new "Art on Wheels" program, which installed new color laminated prints on Maui Bus.
The brainchild of Mayor Charmaine Tavares, the art program is designed to beautify the buses and make for a more pleasant ride. The art is displayed on all routes where Maui Bus operates.
Featured are watercolor prints by artist Phil Sabado, selected by the commission, and nature photography by photographer Lois Bisquera, who was selected by Mayor Tavares. Sabado is a lifelong professional painter and recipient of the Commission's Pundy Yokouchi Award. Bisquera serves as assistant public information officer for the County and contributes freelance photography and writing to local media.
Sabado, a longtime participant in the local art community, was honored as the first recipient of the Pundy Yokouchi Award just over a year ago. He recently created a portrait of Saint Damien of Kalaupapa, Molokai, in honor of the saint's canonization this month.
Bisquera began photographing the islands' natural beauty as a child growing up in Kula. She has since enjoyed capturing the details and patterns in nature that often get overlooked in everyday life, and documenting people and places she has encountered.
Each bus will carry some scenes from a particular theme so passengers transferring from one bus and boarding another will be treated to a whole new array of scenes.
The Commission on Culture and the Arts strives to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Maui County by increasing public awareness, promoting public support, and providing education and participation in art and cultural activities.
For more information on the Art on Wheels program, visit www.mauicounty.gov and click on Boards and Commissions; select the Culture and the Arts tab.
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Join Lahaina Arts Society for its outdoor Fine Arts Fair under the historic Banyan Tree in Lahaina, happening Nov. 11, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 26. Visitors will find local Maui artists showcasing their latest creations.
Lahaina Arts Society artists provide locally made ceramics, original oils and acrylics, handmade jewelry, fine-art giclees, photographs and more. For details, call 661-0111.
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The Village Galleries will celebrate the recent works of artist Joseph Fletcher with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Lahaina gallery, 120 Dickenson St.
For details, call 611-4402 or visit www.villagegalleriesmaui.com.
